Cancer support

We’ll provide you with access to a dedicated nurse for ongoing telephone support. Your nurse will call or email you regularly to discuss concerns or questions you have in relation to your illness. This service will continue for as long as your nurse feels their support is required.

The type of support and information provided will be tailored to your specific needs and may include:

• Understanding your diagnosis and its potential consequences.

• Helping you to prepare questions ahead of consultations or supporting you afterwards to understand what’s been discussed.

• Helping you to access services available from the NHS and other organisations.

• Supporting you emotionally.

• Practical advice on dealing with the implications of cancer.

• Helping with the adjustment to life after cancer.

• Preparing you to return to work and supporting you after your return.

If your nurse identifies a gap in your support, they’ll discuss this with you and aim to help you. Your nurse at their clinical discretion may:

• Identify, arrange and pay* for services or therapies delivered by third parties to help you with issues related to your condition including short-term home care and complementary therapies.

• Arrange and pay* for specialised clothing, head coverings and prosthesis.

• Signpost you to one of the other membership services provided by Benenden Health such as the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline, Mental Health Support, or Physiotherapy.

• Signpost you to the Benenden Charitable Trust, which can provide grants towards any other items which may help you. Please note, as a member, you can apply directly to the Charitable Trust with enquiries about financial help. Learn more about what may be available to you and how to apply through the Benenden Charitable Trust.

• Signpost you to local and national charities, organisations and support groups.

This service can also be requested by members who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis.

* This is subject to a per case budget agreed with our Service Partner.

• We won’t provide Cancer Support relating to the same medical condition on the same body area within two years of us first authorising support.

• Cancer Support is not available for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).

• Third-party services/therapies, specialist clothing, head coverings and prosthesis are arranged and paid* for at the clinical discretion of your nurse. We won’t pay for any services or items which you purchase direct.

Please note that this service is designed to supplement, not replace, primary consultant-led care provided by the NHS or privately. Your primary care remains the responsibility of the NHS or private consultant.

* This is subject to a per case budget agreed with our Service Partner.